The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, from the sunlit island of Crete, and though Greek cuisine is my first love, I have a soft spot for festive recipes that bring people together like this Cranberry Walnut Stuffing. 🍂
I first made this dish one chilly November when a dear friend from the U.S. invited me to celebrate Thanksgiving. The moment I tasted the stuffing warm bread cubes soaked in herbed broth, speckled with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts I fell in love. It reminded me of Greek festive bread with nuts and dried fruit, yet it carried that American holiday spirit of gratitude and togetherness.
Since then, Cranberry Walnut Stuffing has become a tradition in my kitchen. Every bite is a balance of savory and sweet the buttery onions and celery, the rosemary and sage, the pop of cranberry, and the comforting crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your home smell like love.
If you’ve never tried making Cranberry Walnut Stuffing before, don’t worry! I’ll walk you through each step so you can prepare a perfect side dish that will wow your guests and warm your heart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
🕰️ Easy to prepare ahead for holiday meals.
🌿 Customizable add apples, sausage, or even chestnuts!
🍽️ A stunning side dish for turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian feast.
Ingredients 🛒
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect Cranberry Walnut Stuffing:
- 10 cups of cubed day-old bread (white, sourdough, or multigrain)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for 10–15 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp. Let it cool this helps the bread soak up all that delicious broth later without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until they become tender and fragrant. Stir in the sage, thyme, and rosemary your kitchen will instantly smell like the holidays!
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cranberries, walnuts, and the sautéed onion-celery mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Gradually pour the warm broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently until the bread is moistened but not mushy. You might not need all the broth it depends on your bread’s texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This Cranberry Walnut Stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. You can also serve it as a vegetarian main dish with a green salad and roasted vegetables.
For a Greek twist, I sometimes drizzle a touch of olive oil and sprinkle feta crumbs over the top before serving it adds a creamy, tangy balance to the sweet cranberries.
If you’re hosting a large holiday dinner, make this stuffing a day ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat it covered in foil at 325°F for about 20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations 💡
✨ Make it vegan: Use vegetable broth and replace butter with olive oil.
🍏 Add fruit: Diced apples or pears add a lovely sweetness.
🥓 Make it hearty: Add cooked sausage or pancetta for extra flavor.
🌰 Change the nuts: Pecans or hazelnuts work beautifully too.
🌿 Fresh herbs: If you have fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary, double the amount and use them instead of dried.
My Story in 100 Words 💬
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has always been my way to share love and joy. I learned from my grandmother how simple ingredients can create unforgettable memories. I love blending traditional flavors with new ones like this Cranberry Walnut Stuffing, which mixes Greek warmth with American festivity. It’s a cozy dish full of balance, texture, and heart perfect for gathering around the table and celebrating together.
📝 Recipe Card
🕒 Time:
Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Total: 1 hour
🥖 Ingredients:
Bread cubes, cranberries, walnuts, onion, celery, butter, olive oil, broth, herbs, salt, pepper
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Toast the bread cubes.
2️⃣ Sauté onion & celery with herbs.
3️⃣ Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
4️⃣ Add broth gradually until moistened.
5️⃣ Bake covered for 25 mins, uncover & bake 15 mins more.
📌 Notes:
– Use day-old bread for best texture.
– Adjust broth amount as needed.
– Make ahead and reheat for easy serving.
💪 Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 32g | Fiber: 4g | Sugars: 8g
Conclusion 🌟
This Cranberry Walnut Stuffing is everything a holiday side dish should be comforting, flavorful, and filled with love. The sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and herby bread create a balance that feels festive and nourishing.
Every time I bake this dish, I’m reminded of how food connects us across cultures and generations. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple Sunday dinner, this stuffing brings warmth to every table.
So preheat your oven, gather your loved ones, and let this beautiful dish be part of your celebration. ❤️
